Backstage schemes for the 2023 presidency is currently taking a dangerous dimension in the governing All Progressives Congress (APC), President Muhammadu Buhari’s party, with some internal foes targeting Bola Tinubu, a stalwart of the party for a political slaughter slap.
Menas Associates, a political risk consultancy says there is the possibility that Tinubu’s opponents could use the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to try and prosecute him because he is probably the Nigerian politician with the deepest pockets, for alleged corruption.
In its latest Nigeria Politics & Security, a weekly intelligence report on Nigeria, the political risk consultancy says Tinubu is facing several hurdles in his quest for the 2023 presidency, pointing out, ‘’one current one is how to overcome the perception that, because of his age and recent health problems, he is not physically strong enough to run.
‘’Tinubu’s very deep connections within the judiciary mean, however, that it would be difficult to succeed in convicting him of any offence in Nigeria. His opponents are also mindful of the fact they cannot push Tinubu so hard that he decides to defect to another party.
‘’Given his enormous wealth there is a danger that, if he did defect, it would only benefit the APC’s political opponents.’’
Continuing, the report describes Tinubu as ‘’national leader of the ruling APC and would-be successor to President Buhari, quietly returned to Nigeria on October 8 after a three-month sojourn in the UK where he was being treated for unknown health problems.’’
For Menas Associates, his return marks a significant point in the campaign to succeed Buhari and will intensify the jostling by different groups to gain an advantage in the race for the 2023 presidency.
According to the intelligence report, a support group of within APC on the umbrella of Progressives Consolidation Group (PCP) has said that the actions of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo over the years best qualifies him to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari.
‘’The APC members said Osinbajo’s presidency will increase party’s chances for massive success in the coming general elections and also accelerate growth and sustainable development for a more united Nigeria as a detribalized patriot to the core’’, the report said.
In a ‘Thank you’ letter dated October 8, and addressed to the APC National Caretaker Committee Governor Mai Mala Buni, the group said its drive towards realizing an Osinbajo presidency is aimed at deepening core democratic and strategic governance values that truly deliver maximum benefits to the citizens.
The letter signed by Dr. Aliyu Kurfi on behalf of the group read: “First, he is the best qualified to consolidate the nationalistic legacies of President Buhari as the second citizen and strategic insider who is most conversant with the national policies and rhythms of governance of Mr. President.
“Secondly, to increase our party’s chances for massive success in the coming general elections and also,
“Thirdly, to accelerate growth and sustainable development for a more united Nigeria as a detribalized patriot to the core.
‘’Compliance with such continuity echos will ensure that innumerable good works and outstanding legacies of President Buhari proceeds hitch free to the glory of the Almighty God, and to the immense benefits of our Nigerian citizens, and for the emulation of other African Leaders.”
On its recent recognition and approval by the party, the group said such move will further reinvigorate its drive towards ensuring the involvement of citizens in all geopolitical zones in this great enterprise.
“Progressives Consolidation Group and other associated groups started as a very humble initiative to draw Osinbajo into a race that we feel confident that he can win, on behalf of our Party and to the glory of God Almighty, it has been success all the way.
“Surely, without your consistency in the pursuit of progressive democratic ideals, we would not be where we are today; even, to our political foes, the strength and marketability of our party have never been in doubt.
“Our energetic drive towards realizing an Osinbajo Presidency is aimed at deepening key democratic and governance values that truly deliver benefit to citizens and building upon the good works and good legacies of President Buhari which include fiscal discipline, bailout of states for salaries at a time of insolvency, and the largest and most transparent social protection and investment effort in Africa all of which were spearheaded and nurtured under the supervision and guidance of the Vice President.
“As we continue to move forward, we wish to further reassure you of our continuing high regard for our party’s Constitution and guidelines. Once again, we thank you and the entire leadership of our great party for remaining a beacon of light with consistent offering of great leadership, even through.’’
However, before Tinubu’s return a new political group — calling itself South West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA) — championing his presidential ambition was launched in Lagos and was attended by all of the state’s key political figures.
Asiwaju — which is a Yoruba word meaning ‘he who rules’ — is the traditional title for Tinubu that is used in the Southwest This was an illustration of both Tinubu’s continuing political dominance in his home state and the unity of purpose to support his presidential ambition.
Buhari’s recent visit to Tinubu’s London home while he was there receiving medical treatment has been portrayed by the latter’s supporters as signifying that the president is backing Tinubu for 2023. Others argue, however, that this is not the case and that the visit was intended to expose the lie that Tinubu was not ill but simply relaxing in London.
Even though Tinubu may not be Buhari’s anointed successor — and will not be specifically endorsed by the president who is determined to remain neutral and not endorse anyone — it will be difficult to stop him from clinching the APC’s presidential ticket if he is allowed to participate in the imminent party primaries.
This is why his opponents — mainly composed of the president’s inner circle who are trying to maintain their power and influence — are seeking ways to ensure that he cannot contest the primaries.
